The 7th Mokokchung Inter-Ward Football Tournament, organised by the Marepkong Youth Association, commenced with exciting opening matches.
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MOKOKCHUNG — The 7th edition of the Mokokchung Inter-Ward Football Tournament (MIWFT), organised by the Marepkong Youth Association (MYA) under the aegis of the Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA), commenced at Senayangba Government Higher Secondary School, Ungma, on Tuesday.
Lanuakum, Deputy Chairperson of the Mokokchung Municipal Council, attended the inaugural programme as the guest of honour.
The champion team will receive a cash prize of INR 50,000 along with a certificate, while the runners-up will be awarded INR 30,000 with a citation. The MYA also informed that individual prizes will be awarded for Best Defender, Best Goalkeeper, Player of the Tournament, Best Midfielder, and Highest Goal Scorer.
Also read: Venue shifted for 7th Mokokchung Inter-Ward Football Tournament
In his address, Lanuakum noted that the tournament has been conducted consistently over the years, with only one edition missed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He acknowledged that the event continues to be organised in a commendable manner, with increasing participation and the introduction of various awards each year.
The vision and efforts of the organising Marepkong Youth Association are seen throughout the years, he noted. He appreciated the dedication, time, and financial commitment invested in hosting the tournament, stating that such initiatives play an important role in uplifting young footballers and providing them with a platform to grow.
He further remarked on the need to address issues of indiscipline and unpunctuality among players, stating that talent alone is not sufficient without the right attitude. He urged both organisers and participants to uphold discipline and responsibility throughout the tournament. Encouraging the players, he called on them to adopt a positive approach and contribute meaningfully towards the successful conduct of the tournament.
The programme also included exhortations by Imtisusang Imsong, Tatar of Ungma Village Council; N Imtitoshi, Chairman of Kumlong Ward; and N Akok Lkr, President of MDFA. Bendangsunep, convenor of the tournament, delivered the welcome address.
The oath-taking for the tournament was administered by Takalong Pongen, President of the Marepkong Youth Association, after which the tournament was officially declared open with the kick-off by the guest of honour.
In the first match, Tongdentsuyong beat defending champion Dilong 4-1. Bendangsunep scored for Dilong in the 18th minute. For Tongdentsuyong, goals were scored by Opanglemzung (3rd minute), Chasu (13th minute), Neili (30th minute), and Toshimongba (41st minute).
In the second match, Penli put up a dominant performance to defeat Alempang 3-1. Goal scorers for Penli included Ayimtiba (10th minute), Kito (30th minute), Moachang (30th minute), and Toshimongba (39th minute). Chubatemsu scored for Alempang in the 22nd minute. Penli took all three points with a strong attacking display.
In the third match, Sangtemla defeated Sungkomen 4-2. Scorers for Sangtemla were Shamoi (15th and 30+2 minutes), Opangtemjen (41st minute), and Rongsenchiba (44th minute). Scorers for Sungkomen were Atochang (6th minute) and Imtisangba (19th minute). Sangtemla sealed the win with a dominant finish.